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Outline Who we are and what the teams cover: –Environmental noise –Neighbour & neighbourhood noise and nuisance Current policy issues we’re working on Noise and nuisance – scope for assisting growth Concluding remarks 2

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Noise Policy Statement for England (2) Defra seeks to affect the noise environment through influencing others to consider and reflect the NPSE in policy and decision making. This includes: o Raising awareness through research, briefings, presentations o Working with other government departments as they formulate policy o Working with key interest groups o Working with the Devolved Administrations, in the EU and Internationally

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Consultation on Noise Action Plans The Environmental Noise Directive (2002/49/EC) requires Member States to: o Produce strategic noise maps o Adopt noise action plans o Make information available to the public Second round of noise mapping was completed in 2012. Defra is preparing the second round action plans, covering road, railways and agglomerations (large urban areas). The action plans are designed to manage environmental noise and its effects, including noise reduction if necessary, and preservation of existing areas of quiet in agglomerations. The action plans will describe how Important Areas (noise ‘hotspots’) for road and railway sources will be identified. Will also provide further details on the process for identifying and managing quiet areas in agglomerations. Due to consult on the draft action plans this summer and would welcome your views. 9

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PHOF Noise Indicator 10 Indicator 1.14 ‘The percentage of the population affected by noise’ – covers: o 1.14i - Number of complaints per year per local authority about noise per thousand population. o 1.14ii – The proportion of the population exposed to transport noise. We estimate that Local Authorities in England receive an average of 1,100 complaints about noise per day at a cost per complaint of anything from around £200 up to around £7000 depending on the situation

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National Planning Policy Framework and guidance Noise and light both explicitly mentioned in NPPF – recognition of importance of managing impact of noise and light pollution Detailed guidance notes removed; number of concerns Taylor Review of Guidance has recommended updated guidance on noise and new guidance on light Also set out ‘rules’ for guidance: brief, easy to understand and not prescriptive DCLG lead on planning policy – Defra working closely with them to develop noise and light pollution guidance 11

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Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill Bill now being debated in Parliament Part 4 - Community Protection Notices –to stop persistent, unreasonable behaviour that is detrimental to the amenity of the locality or is having a negative impact on the local community’s quality of life –Replacing number of existing orders relating to environmental ASB including Litter Clearing Notice, Street Litter Clearing Notice, Graffiti/Defacement Removal Notice –to deal with noise disturbance, particularly if occurring in conjunction with other anti-social behaviour –Draft Bill makes clear that noise disturbances that meet requirements of statutory nuisance regime should be dealt with using that process Home Office now seeking input from practitioners to help draft guidance Intention for draft guidance to be available in time for Report Stage of the Bill (likely to be in the autumn). 12

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Light pollution We recently published an information leaflet called ‘Getting Light Right’. It’s designed to clearly and simply inform consumers how to install their security lights effectively to reduce light pollution and nuisance. It was jointly written with Campaign to Protect Rural England, Campaign for Dark Skies and the Institution of Lighting Professionals. It’s been distributed through the British Retail Consortium and is available on the Knowledge Hub and the Gov.uk website. 13

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Quiet Mark 15 Quiet Mark is accreditation scheme for quiet products designed to reach out to high street consumers. It makes consumers aware of the choice they have when buying appliances: a healthier, less stressed lifestyle if they ’buy quiet’. The accreditation recognises excellence in the design of quieter everyday machines and appliances. Businesses have used this accreditation as a real and unique selling point; supporters include Lexus, Corinthia Hotels, Rockwool, 20 th Century Fox, Electrolux and Phillips. It is a Noise Abatement Society initiative.

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Concluding remarks There is a lot going on – many government initiatives that impact on management of noise and nuisance Appreciate feedback from practitioners; responses to consultations, Knowledge Hub Data is key to making decisions Noise can also be ‘exploited’ for economic and societal benefits: Govt keen to support initiatives that allow for this – any examples? 16